To add, access, and edit items in a database, open the database. When you open a database, Visual FoxPro sets it as the current database and adds the database name to the database list on the Visual FoxPro standard toolbar. By default, items that you create or add to the database are associated with the current database, and commands or functions that manipulate open databases operate on the current database. You can also set another open database as the current database. For more information, see How to: Set the Current Database.

Note:

Opening a new database does not close any currently open databases. However, the most recently opened database becomes the current database.

You can have multiple open databases at the same time. For example, you might open and use multiple databases when you run multiple applications with each using a different database. You might also want to open multiple databases to use information, such as custom controls, in a database that is separate from your application's database.

Note:

Visual FoxPro might open one or more databases automatically when you execute a query or a form that requires opening databases. To make sure you are working with the correct database, set the current database explicitly before using any commands that operate on the current database. For more information, see How to: Set the Current Database.

Opening the database in the Database Designer makes it possible for you to view the database schema, a visual representation of the database, and work with the tables associated with it, the relationships between those tables, and other items in the database. To view the structure of the database (.dbc) file itself, see How to: View Database Structure.

To open a database in the Database Designer

On the File menu, click Open.

In the Open dialog box, browse for and select the database (.dbc) file you want to open.

Click OK.

The database you selected opens in the Database Designer, which displays any items it contains and any relationships between them.